Eight Major Theories Of Developmental Science

Chapter 1 (History, Theory, and Research Strategies) – 7/10/2017

This chapter was a fantastic introduction to the different developmental theories and how they have changed with time. It provided a basic understanding of the how development has been studied, and what factors have been identified as playing a role in one’s development. I want to focus on the eight major theories of developmental science. But first, what is developmental science? Developmental science is a multifaceted field of study committed to the understanding of human constancy and changes throughout life. The studies aim to clarify what influences development, and has been greatly due to scientific interest as well as a general social desire to improve our lives.

Behaviorism has two different views. John Watson deduced that environmental input plays the dominant role in behavior. A child’s conduct can be directly impacted by adults and their reactions to stimuli. Behavioral development is a gradual process that is reinforced through associations. B. F. Skinner specifically stated that positive feedback only reinforces behavior, but unfavorable responses can in turn negatively alter one’s behavior. The Social Learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura, highlights the importance of echoing as the root of development. Many factors play a role in a child’s desire for responses. As a child gradually develops, they then become more specific in their response to circumstances. These two theories can however be significantly influenced by behavior modifications and their view on environmental input is extremely

Ethology focuses on one’s ability to change behaviors. Imprinting is a pattern of behavior early in development containing the critical and sensitive periods. The critical period is a short-term period in which a child is physically mature, but still requires aid to learn certain behaviors. The sensitive period is the “sweet spot” for learning. Evolutionary Developmental theory is a pursuit to understand how social, emotional, and cognitive abilities change within a species, and how these abilities change with age. Vygot’s Sociocultural theory looks at how culture, traditions and beliefs are interconnected with the process of development. This theory believes that a society plays a role in passing down behaviors from one generation to another. Through formal schooling and personal relationships development is both gradual and staged that can be influenced in many